Northwoods, MO

Tooth Pain Northwoods, MO

Tooth Pain in Northwoods, MO. Tooth pain, or toothaches, can be either dull or acute, but always make it difficult to eat, sleep well, or concentrate on basic tasks. If you’ve been experiencing continuous tooth pain it can be a sign of severe dental issues, and it’s best to visit your local Northwoods, MO dentist as soon as possible. Call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or make an appointment online.

Causes of Tooth Pain | Northwoods, MO Dental Office

Tooth pain occurs when the nerves in the roots of a tooth or bordering the tooth become irritated. There are many different ways that can happen. Some of the most frequent causes our Northwoods, MO dental office sees are:

• Gum Disease:

  While mild forms of gum disease, for example gingivitis, usually do not lead to tooth pain, more severe forms like periodontitis can lead to tooth pain when the structure and bones underneath your teeth in the mouth are weakened.

• Tooth Decay, for instance cavities:

  Our tooth enamel is the durable outer layer of our teeth. When it weakens, bacteria and other things can irritate the nerves on the inside of our teeth.

• Sensitive Teeth:

  Tooth sensitivity is typically caused by injured enamel or receding gums, though not as severely as with tooth decay or gum disease. Often, people with sensitive teeth will only experience tooth pain with hot or cold drinks or specific food.

• Abscessed Teeth:

  While we normally think of teeth as hard, the center of a tooth is actually made of soft tissue and blood vessels, which can become infected. An abscessed tooth occurs when there is an infection in what’s called the “pulp chamber” on the interior of the tooth, and the infection reaches the root. In addition to tooth pain, symptoms can include red or swollen gums, an accumulation of puss, a salty or displeasing taste, swollen neck glands, or swelling jaw.

• Impacted Wisdom Teeth:

  If you have not gotten your wisdom teeth removed and are feeling pain in the back and bottom molar area, it’s probably time to get your wisdom teeth extracted. Not extracting them can cause other teeth to move, lead to jaw pain, and even lead to bone loss.

• Oral Cancer:

  Oral cancer is an incredibly serious dental issue, but the good news is that it’s it is easy to treat. It can show up as a growth or sore in the lips, gum, tongue, cheeks, or throat, and can cause tremendous pain. Tobacco and alcohol use, along with extended sun exposure, are risk factors.

• Temporomandibular Joint Disorder:

  Commonly referred to as TMJ, this refers to a number of problems that affect the joint affixing the jaw to the skull. While the disorders do not directly lead to tooth pain, it can cause misaligned chewing, teeth grinding, and issues with the mastication muscles, which can all cause tooth pain.

• Teeth Grinding:

  Technically referred to as bruxism, is a typical cause of tooth pain. There can be numerous reasons why you grind your teeth, such as:

  • Certain foods, such as caffeine, sodas, coffee, or chocolate
  • Alcohol and nicotine consumption
  • Chewing on pencils, or any object that is not food
  • Stress or frustration
  • Some medications
  • Misaligned teeth

  Treatment for teeth grinding commonly includes fluoride treatments to reinforce tooth enamel, fillings, or dental crowns.

How is Tooth Pain Treated? | Northwoods, MO Dental Office

When you initially see your Northwoods, MO dentist for your tooth pain, they will diagnose the underlying condition causing your tooth pain and recommend the best method of treatment. Some of the common treatments for tooth pain are:

Fluoride Treatments

When plaque, bacteria, and sugars pile up in the mouth, they can damage the enamel. Flouride strengthens the enamel and is effective at alleviating sensitive teeth, protecting against teeth grinding, and is recommended for people with frequent cavities. Your Northwoods, MO dentist can apply fluoride to your teeth in the form of a gel, foam, or varnish. A fluoride treatment by a professional Northwoods, MO dentist is much more effective than fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash.

Oral Surgery

Also referred to maxillofacial surgery, is required in more significant cases. Surgery can be used to:

• Remove cysts, growths, or tumors that cause pain
• Treat temporomandibular joint disorder
• Remove impacted wisdom teeth or diseased teeth
• Treatment of severe gum disease

The Northwoods, MO dental team at Plaza Dental are accomplished and distinguished maxillofacial surgeons that will help you feel calm before, during, and after your surgery.

Root Canals

Root canals are generally required when the soft tissue and blood vessels inside the tooth become infected. Luckily, root canals are not much more intricate than a common filling. Your Northwoods, MO dentist will create an opening on top of the tooth, remove the infection, and fill the empty space with a material that sanitize the inside of the tooth. Not having a root canal for an infected tooth can cause the infection to move to your gums and other teeth, and could eventually cause you having the tooth removed.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry with your Northwoods, MO dentist doesn’t just enhance your smile, it can help relieve tooth pain. Dental bonding and dental crowns can help fix cover damaged teeth that are causing you pain. If you’re experiencing tooth pain because of misaligned teeth, Invisalign® can help make them straight.

Preventing Tooth Pain | Northwoods, MO Dental Office

Like most dental issues, tooth pain prevention typically comes down to exercising good oral hygiene. Your Northwoods, MO dentist a Plaza Dental Center recommends the following simple steps you can take to protect your oral health:

• Brushing and flossing
• Regular dental examinations
• Cleanings and polishing
• Having cavities filled quickly
• Using fluoride toothpaste and fluoride mouthwash

Check out the links below to see some of the other services we offer in Northwoods, MO:

• Dental Emergency
• Gum Contouring
• Broken Tooth Repair
• Invisalign®
• Tooth Pain Relief
• Periodontal Treatment
• Composite Fillings
• Gingivitis Treatment
• Dentist Near Me

Tooth Pain in Northwoods, MO | Plaza Dental Center

A lot of times, we never notice our teeth when they’re healthy. If you’re suffering from chronic tooth pain, or have tooth pain accompanied by a fever, it’s best to get in touch with your local Northwoods, MO dentist at Plaza Dental Center for an appointment right away. In addition to oral health, we strongly believe in patient education and making our patients relaxed in the chair. If you’re experiencing tooth pain in Northwoods, MO, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or contact us online.